3 takeaways from the Vegas Golden Knights game against the Los Angeles Kings

The Vegas Golden Knights and Los Angeles Kings have battled in many wars against each other over the years. That included a playoff stint in 2018, where the Golden Knights swept the Kings in the first round. It's a classic battle of California values versus the power of Nevada, where one prevails in a fight for justice (and royalty). This year, the war features names such as Drew Doughty, Brendan Brisson, and... Tanner Laczynski.

Now, hold on for a second. There's a reason why the former Philadelphia Flyer is making his name known in this rivalry. He's trying out for the Golden Knights, hoping to crack the regular season roster. Alongside names like former Kings player Tanner Pearson and Zach Aston-Reese, these forwards yearn for another shot at glory in Las Vegas.

But this battle was won by the Kings, 3-2, with goals scored by Tanner Jeannot, Warren Foegele, and Alex Laferriere. But Hollywood's hockey team saw a freak accident happen when defenseman Drew Doughty collided with each other into the boards with Pearson early in the first period. It was unappealing to watch, especially with Doughty being one of the longer-tenured players for Los Angeles. Here's hoping he has a full recovery if he is sidelined.

In the meantime, there are some lessons to be learned from this preseason loss. Some players must improve their play or risk not making the main roster. Others have a realistic shot at making their positional groups, especially with how they're playing in these warmups. That will prompt Bruce Cassidy to further evaluate his roster and see who can fit in which spots in the lineup.

So who stood out in the loss? Which players are... skating on thin ice?

Let's break down the three takeaways from Wednesday's preseason tilt and see who shined brightest. Let's also see who has room to improve and the bizarre night at T-Mobile Arena for Golden Knights fans.

Plenty of mysteries for the Vegas Golden Knights

Fans were wondering where Nicolas Hague was to start the second period. It wasn't until halfway through the period that he showed up. Was he injured? Did he have to use the bathroom badly? It's something that will boggle the minds of many fans, leaving them worried for a short period. Luckily, nothing was wrong as he returned to the game.

However, it was a cavalcade of poor decisions and plays for the Golden Knights. For example, Alexander Holtz took some interesting penalties during the game, putting Vegas in compromising spots. First, there was tripping Tanner Jeannot halfway through the first period setting up a power play opportunity (and goal). Then, he was called for interference on Mikey Anderson in the third period.

There was also the Los Angeles Kings scoring two goals in 20 seconds in the first period. They capitalized on defensive collapses and errors, helping them win the game. The Kings outshot Vegas, 15-3, in the first period, displaying full-blown dominance by the road team. Little mistakes like this will cost the Golden Knights throughout the season, leaving them short of their Stanley Cup dreams. If they want to return to the top, that means cleaning up the penalties, turnovers, and bad decisions. Speaking of penalties...